The family was exceptionally devout even by the standards of the era: his grandfather James I stepped down to join the Cistercians, while both his brother Philip and sister Sancia were noted for their close ties to the Order of Saint Francis.
At one point, the King is known to have issued a "note prohibiting the friars from visiting the princes at night",[3] indicating their close relationship with each other and with the Franciscans.
[3] Louis renounced his position as heir apparent to the throne of Naples and became Bishop of Toulouse in 1297 (and was eventually canonized), dying the same year, which probably left an impression on James.
The betrothal was celebrated in 1298 in the presence of the entire French royal court, including King Philip IV and Queen Joan I.
In 1299, in the words of his sister Sancia, James "renounced royal power for the love of Jesus Christ and became a son of Blessed Francis and entered his order".